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Menies, also known as Diktynna, is situated 45 kilometers northwest of Chania, on the northeastern coast of the Rodopos Peninsula and at the mouth of the Foundas Gorge. This secluded beach is characterized by its pebbles and the deep, crystal blue of its waters. Protected from the prevalent winds in the region, Menies offers a haven of solitude, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. With no signs of modern civilization for miles, visitors are advised to come prepared with all necessities. The journey to Menies beach can be challenging, as it involves a 23-kilometer ride on a dirt track, beginning from the village of Rodopos. This road, though unpaved, leads to the beach but isn’t suitable for low-slung vehicles. An alternative route to Menies is via small boats that depart from Platanias harbor.
Menies sits on the historical site of ancient Diktynna, which was the primary temple of the goddess Vritomartis, the Cretan counterpart of Artemis. This sanctuary used to draw worshippers from all over the island, who would travel via a road that linked the sanctuary to the town of Polirinia. Some sections of this paved road are still intact across the Rodopos peninsula. Vritomartis was worshipped here during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Today, a few remnants of the ancient Roman temple can still be seen, although no traces of the Hellenistic temple have been discovered.
Roughly one kilometer southwest of the beach, visitors can explore the ancient monastery of St. George, constructed in the 9th century. The monastery was later abandoned during the pirate invasions, but the 16th-century lookout tower used to spot incoming pirate ships can still be seen in the monastery’s courtyard.
Several small bays can be found between Menies and Afrata, formed at the mouths of small streams and accessible either on foot or by boat. The most picturesque of these is Xeronissia, situated beneath the Saint George monastery.
Menies beach is a secluded beach located on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece.
To get to Menies beach, you can drive or take a boat from the nearby village of Rodopos. The road to the Menies beach is unpaved and can be rough, so it’s recommended to have a 4×4 vehicle.
No, Menies beach is not crowded due to its remote location and difficult access.
At Menies beach, you can swim, sunbathe, and explore the surrounding cliffs and caves. It’s also a popular spot for snorkeling and fishing.
No, there is no accommodation near Menies beach. The closest village with accommodation options is Rodopos, which is about 7 km away.
No, there are no restaurants or cafes at Menies beach. It’s recommended to bring your own food and drinks.
Menies beach is suitable for families with children, but it’s important to note that there are no facilities or lifeguards on the Menies beach. The water can also be deep in some areas, so it’s important to supervise children at all times.
The best time to visit Menies beach is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and the sea is calm. It’s also recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the day.
The Menies beach water colour is deep blue and blue.
The Menies beach has pebbles, fine pebbles, and rocks in places.
The Menies beach water depth is normal.
The Menies beach sea surface is usually calm.
The Menies beach crowds are quiet.
There are no facilities available at the Menies beach.
The Menies beach access is via a dirt track.
The Menies beach is nudism friendly, ideal for snorkeling/spearfishing, and has rock shade.
Find below list of things to do near Menies beach:
Find your rigid inflatable boat (RIB) vessel at Chania’s old port to begin a memorable half-day boat trip. Your experienced skipper will sail you to the first stop, Menies Beach. Anchor here for one hour and enjoy turquoise waters and ancient ruins as you swim or sunbathe.
Afterward, continue towards the northwestern part of the Chania prefecture, at the end of the land. Arrive at the island of Gramvousa and see its Venetian fortress and a sunken ship. Take memorable photos while your skipper anchors. Have approximately one hour on the island so that you explore on your own and perhaps even take a 40-minute roundtrip hike to the fortress.
Finally, continue on for 15 minutes to the famous Balos Beach. Have another two hours to enjoy the breathtaking view of the coast and the sea. Your skipper will call you for the return trip back to Chania’s old port. Depending on the weather conditions, the skipper will let you visit one or two secluded bays and beaches on the way back to Chania.
Explore the wild natural beauty and the crystal-clear waters of two majestic hidden beaches on this guided cruise from Kolymbari to Menies and Chironisia. Use the provided snorkeling gear to uncover the remains of a sunken gun and carriage from WWII.
Choose from a tour that meets on the boat in the harbor of Kolymbari or that includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations in north Chania. Set off a comfortable and spacious boat.
Feel the wind in your hair as you glide to Menies beach which is on the site of ancient Diktynna, where the most important temple of the goddess Vritomartis was located. See the remains of the ancient Roman temple as well as a 9th century abandoned monastery of St. George.
Put on your snorkel gear to explore some underwater items from WWII before heading to Chironisia Bay, a small hidden bay that is only accessible by the sea. Plunge into the deep blue waters where you can venture into small caves with the snorkel gear.
Find below the list of hotels near Menies beach:
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Find below list of beaches near Menies beach:
Saint Paul, or Agios Pavlos, is a stunning, hidden gem of a beach nestled in a scenic cove on the Rodopos Peninsula, situated 40km northwest of Chania city. The simplest route to this spot is by taking a boat from either Ravdoucha or Kissamos. It’s also accessible by car, following a lengthy dirt road that begins at Rodopos village and ends at the ancient monastery of Saint Paul, which overlooks the beach. Along the way, you’ll encounter the picturesque monastery of Saint John Gionas, a significant historical site in western Crete.
The beach takes its name from the quaint, historic Saint Paul monastery, renowned for its striking frescoes and the abundance of inscriptions left by pirates, sponge fishermen, travellers, and Venetian rulers. This secluded beach boasts clear pebbles and refreshingly deep, cool waters. It’s the perfect spot for solitude, particularly on calm, windless days. However, the lengthy drive may not be worthwhile if the beach alone is your sole purpose for visiting.
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